The state-of-the-art PCR laboratory to be set up at the Katunayake Airport will be opened on the 20th of this month under the program of uplift the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Nearly, 7000 PCR tests per day will be conducted in this laboratory at the rate of 500 PCR tests per hour.

Minister of Tourism,Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga participated in an inspection visit to the laboratory this morning (14).This laboratory issues PCR reports of tourists visiting the country within a short period time of three hours. Accordingly, if the PCR report of this laboratory is negative and the tourists who have received both doses of Covid vaccine can go to the places of tourist in Sri Lanka without any hindrance.

The Minister who inspected the PCR laboratory said,

—We will open this laboratory on the 20th.  Although a foreign company has invested here, the laboratory is wholly owned by the Airport and Aviation Services Company of Sri Lanka.  The laboratory operates under a two-year management agreement.  This laboratory charges fees from tourists and does PCR tests for them.  There is a charge of $ 40 for a PCR test.  Recently we went to Ukraine.  Ninety dollars is charged for a PCR test in Ukraine.  Europe charges $ 60.—

The general procedure that followed so far with regard to Sri Lankan migrant workers is being continued.  In the future, if necessary, Sri Lankans can be given the opportunity to obtain a PCR from this laboratory by charging a fee.

When asked by the journalists about the recent tourism promotion campaign attended by the Minister of Tourism, the Minister said, "We saw how the health laws and guidelines are implemented in those countries. As a country, we cannot be marginalized.  We are in discussions with the Ministry of Health and we are trying to achieve the target of 1500 tourists per day. ”